6x9 speaker shelves for high roof L300: $250

[glenn]

I just finished this last night. I've been thinking about this one for a while, and I'm really happy with the results.

The speaker shelf mounts to the spot just behind the rear seat belt shoulder belt anchor. This area always seemed like the perfect spot for a set of 6x9's. There is also a bonus shelf across the back when you open the hatch. I am going to tuck a first aid kit and a spare warm fleece in here.

The stereo system I put in is a modest one - but is light years ahead of what I had:

Pioneer head unit - nothing special - but with ipod integration. Now I can carry my entire music library, hundreds of podcasts (BBC, CBC, etc,) podiobooks and audiobooks, all in one little device. literally hundreds of hours of content.

Two Alpine type S 6x9's - just over $100 - the big feature with these speakers for me is that they run off my head unit without an amplifier.

Two Alpine type S 4" - just over $100 - a direct fit into the stock front speaker locations. The drivers side speaker pops right out - takes 5 mins. The passenger side . . . not so easy. It took just under 2 hours - the whole dash has to come apart. I know I wasted a lot of time trying to figure out an easy way to get at it, and the beer I was drinking didn't exactly aid the process, but man, I don't want to do that again soon.

So, as with my console mod, after spending the time to design and build one speaker shelf, I would like to offer to build these for anyone interested. These would be available in wenge, cherry, walnut, or bamboo. The bottom part of the shelf is a glossy white laminate. They are made from 1/2" birchply.

Cost is $299 for one. But, if 10 people are interested, I could sell them for $199. It is way easier to make ten than just one. I will even help with the install (the shelf, not the stereo). Last thing - I think this shelf can be adapted to fit a high roof sans crystalite - I just have to make a smooth curve across the top.

[after oil]

thats beautiful

[ericmgt]

Beautiful job!

My timing is lousy, I just had the head unit and speakers in my bus replaced the "Future" way. Paid for it as I have no electronic inclination on my part. I am completely underwhelmed by the results. The 4 1/2" MTX speakers front and rear just do not cut it. I also got a Pioneer head unit, quite happy with that.

The stock rear speaker location in my 91 bus isn't anywhere near the location of your ingenious shelf, they are in the luggage area behind the rear seats, ...... how did you run speaker wire up there? I am interested, if I don't have to go mental trying to wire it up.

Ps. I'm a cabinetmaker by trade ...... like your stuff very much, and I think priced very friendly too!!

[glenn]

Thanks for the compliments.

And, the rear speakers are surprisingly easy to wire. If you pull the various ashtrays/storage compartments out you should be able to unplug the speakers and feed the wires back to the little compartments in the rear (where the jack is). From here, you simply splice on a new couple feet of wire and feed it up behind the panels and out the top. The most complicated part is splicing the wires - I like to solder/shrink rap them, but you can also use the quick connectors available everywhere. I can take some pics if anyone needs them.

As far as my pricing goes, I think it is a good price too. I operate more as a small manufacturer than a custom builder, and so I am always very aware of price and what the market will bear. My profit comes from volume. In the case of things I offer to the delica community - there is no retail mark up. If you were to find this in a store, the price would be double, as a retailer has to build in their profit too - unless of course it was made in china where you don't have to pay for a NA standard of living, basic human rights, environmental standards, etc. Oops, I'm ranting.

[Todd64]

Awesome job. Also I think this is the first interior photo I've seen that actually shows how much light there is when the shades are open. Does it get hot in the sun?

[almac]

err, ummm... glen are you taking orders?
j/k

[Modsqwad]

Makes me wish I had a high roof van. Very slick tidy looking installation. You will be busy with those I'll bet.
Andy Wilson

[Delicaman]

Hi Guy. Benn here from Comox Valley Delica. I am opening shop soon in Cumberland and will be looking to stock accessories for the Delica. If you would like to make one and have it displayed in my shop, maybe we can work out a few orders.

give me a call

Benn @ www.comoxvalleydelica.com

[glenn]

I hope everyone had a great long weekend.

First of all, yes, I'm absolutely taking orders. email, or pm me if you are interested. I would like to do a batch of 10, so I can sell them for a bit less ($199). But before I go and make them, I want to make sure there is sufficient interest - plus you can let me know your veneer preference. You can go to my website and look at my pet feeders to see the veneer options (maple, bamboo, cherry, wenge, walnut).

Todd64 - I've always been attracted to the crystal light roofs - it was what first caught my eye when I first saw a delica. I love the light that they bring in. But you're right, I rarely drive with them open on a hot summer day. They are nice when there is no real direct sunlight coming in. Where they really shine is in the middle of the dark winter. It really does lift my spirits to feel the sky above me like that.

Ben - we can talk once I get a few orders, I'm sure we can work something out.

[glenn]

Ok, so I'm going to go ahead and make a batch of speaker shelves. I'm starting with five, and some are already accounted for. These will be ready in about two weeks. If you are interested in one, and want a choice of veneer, PM me to let me know what you want. They will be priced at $250.

I do have one question for the Delica hive mind; how universal are 6x9 openings? I'm reluctant to cut the openings for all of them in case there are variations from one type of speaker to the next.

Last thing - this image is for Todd, who was interested in the light from a crystal lite roof. I think this photo shows the windows in all their glory (plus it shows the speaker shelf again). And believe it or not, there is a canoe tied up their as well.